POCK CHECK

Howlings caught up with the recently wed, Thomas Pock Thursday morning In a brief conversation the Rangers / Wolf Pack defensemen confirmed that he was contacted, not just by a Russian team as was speculated in the media, but by several European teams and turned them all down.

"I don't want to go back to Europe. I believe that I can play in the NHL and I'm not giving up on my dreams. I'm going to be 100% ready to fight for a spot come September." Pock said.

The young Austrian was then asked if he had any contact with the team to this point in regards to his role within the organization. "They (Rangers) have not talked to me about the next season." He said.

Pock is expected to battle for the 6/7 role on the blueline. He may well serve there as he can also play forward and might be a replacement for Jason Strudwick given that he is already signed and included in the cap figure. Should he not make the team he would likely spend the entire season in Hartford as he did last season. In order to recall the 26 year old, he would need to clear reentry waivers to play in New York. Given his dollar figure, versatility and that his deal is only for the upcoming season the likelihood of him making it through waivers to the Big Apple is slim to none.

(Thomas Pock photo courtesy of Chris Rutsch via Hartfordwolfpack.com)

Comments

[fran]

You know, this Pock situation is one of the main reasons that I find the Ranger brass to be total incompetents. This guy has all the tools needed in an NHL defense situation, but for some reason he is in either Renney's or Sather's doghouse (maybe both). Yet they tolerated that oaf Malik for a number of games last season, and even played a crippled Rozsival (to their detriment), and a haphazard Tyutin, but never gave Pock, nor Hutchinson a look see. I hope this kid winds up with a club and shows them all up.

[Mitch Beck]

Nobody is a bigger fan of Tommy's than I am...well that's not true. I'm sure his wife and family have me beat by a bit. Calling the Rangers brass "incompetent" is a bit harsh don't you think? They've done a lot of very smart moves over the years. Tommy is in a tough situation. Prior to last season the rap on his game was he wasn't up to the defensive snuff that Tom Renney wanted in his game. I would attribute that to the fact that he's a natural forward who's still learning the defense position. Tommy has a world of talent and is a good leader. I would not remotely be surprised if he doesn't make the Rangers, if he wasn't named Wolf Pack team Captain.

With Jason Strudwick now in Edmonton, I think the odds of Tommy making the Rangers just increased a boat load. He offers the flexibility to the organization to play him in either position and he's already signed and in under the cap.

One other thing that you need to note is that Tommy was handcuffed, just as he would be this coming season should he be sent to Hartford, that he would be scooped up instantly by another team because he'll have to pass through reentry waivers to be brought back up. It's the same problem he had last season and the same problem that dogged Andrew Hutchinson as well.

[fran]

I fail to see the number of "great moves" made by the Rangers. One of the dopeyest was letting Pascal Dupuis get away from them while still retaining Hollweg and Hossa.

Renney has no recognizition of what happens on the ice. His tactical moves are always behind the power curve and he is often out-bench-coached by his opposing Coach.

He should not possibly have continued to play a crippled Rozsival in place of whole and hearty members of the Hartford squad all season, and watched game after game slip away due to the inept performances by his D.

Sorry - but the brass don't impress me at all.

[dmd]

I am a fan of Thomas Pock as an AHL player not as an NHL player.

Pock’s issue is was crystalized in thought in a December 14th, 2005 piece done by Berlett. Quoting Ulfie he wrote — "From the blue line in, he has good offensive instincts, but he's still young in his mind when it comes to coverage and playing in his own end," Samuelsson said.

This, in my opinion, continues to be the issue with Pock. I do not see a whole lot of improvement on the defensive end. Certainly he is good enough to play at the AHL level but not at the NHL level.

Many of my buds and I at the games have referred to him as the Austrian Assassin in regard to the power-play, or when the offense is set. He certainly has skills in the offensive zone but when it comes to keeping the puck in the offensive zone at key moments we have kept running tallies of the numerous times he has let the puck slip out of the zone or simply roll off his stick. Again, this is fine to get along at the AHL but not the stellar play you would want from someone knocking at the NHL door.

And in regard to Dupius. He has to play in a first or second line combination. He was not going to get that opportunity on the Rangers. Sather had a chance to bring in a first round draft pick with future 1st or 2nd line potential — namely, Bourret. The idea and deal was a no brainer in my opinion.

And I would love to know the names of the Wolf Pack defensemen from last year’s team who could have competed in New York for a job at any time during the season. Hutch and Pock were not options. The Rangers were not going to risk waivers with those two. Liffiton? He only played 21 games in Hartford due to concussions. Baranka? Ivan had a better year during his 2nd season prior to getting hurt. He was outright horrible at times last season. Jake Taylor? He only had an AHL contract. Sauer? Potter? Please. There were not real options for call up on an extended basis. Renney did the best he could with what he had.